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Hard Time Marrying Finale

The stocky little woman leaned on her cane as she picked her way gingerly toward the graves under the mesquites. She lay a few wildflowers on three rock-covered graves, one unmarked, one marked for Joe, and a third for their boy, Johnny. “I’ll be here sleeping beside you soon’s I can, Joe. I’m tired and the folks can get by easy without me now.” She thought back on the last eight years since Joe collapsed one morning at his milking. They’d had more than forty years and six children together. It wasn’t enough.

Little Joe had married and stayed on to farm with Joe. The cabin had become a seven room house over the years, filled first with their children, then Little Joe’s. Sally had married a a farmer and lived on the next section. She was so sweet, Anya couldn’t help being partial to her. Rose Anya had taught school till she married a storekeeper in Talco. Her boy Jules was a preacher. Rose Anya had wanted her mother to come live with her in town after her pa died, but Anya couldn’t bear to leave the farm. Betsy come along just a year after Sally and married Emma’s grandson, making them truly family. The twins didn’t come along for five years. One of them farmed the hundred sixty acres Joe bought a few years after they married and the other was a lawyer in Dallas. He didn’t get home but a couple of times a year. Johnny, the one they lost came when she thought she was past child-bearing had struggled to breathe for three long days. Losing him nearly killed Joe.

Anya’s mind was fuzzy and she lived more in the past than present. It pained her knowing all she was good for was rocking babies, stringing beans, and peeling potatoes, though Joe’s wife, Mary, tried to fool her into thinking she was useful. Whenever she could, she slipped out to talk to Joe.

As she stood talking to Joe, Mary caught up with her. “Mama, you had me worried to death. I didn’t know where you’d got off to. You had me worried to death. It’s blazing hot out here. Come out of the sun and let me git you a drink.”

“Joe’s gonna be in for supper at four. I better git in and make him some biscuits. He always did love my biscuits.” Anya told Mary.

“You don’t have to get started just yet. Let’s get you a cool drink.” Mary said, leading Anya to a rocker in the shade of the porch. “Just sit here and cool off and I’ll be right back with your drink.”

” I git so tired of her fussing.” Anya said to Mary’s big backside, watching her head for the kitchen. In no time at all she was nodding.

“Anya girl, ain’t you gonna cook me no supper?” Joe laughed as he touched her shoulder. He looked as he did when she first knew him, well-muscled and lean with a full head of hair.

“Oh no, I ain’t even started! You are early.” Anya told him.

“I’d say I’m right on time. Come on along with me.” The years fell away as Anya took his hand and stepped lively as a girl.

NO, but I will. I want to read your book “Everything Tastes Like Poke Salad” that has been sitting in my Kindle library for weeks, along with many other books that I want to get to. Now I want to read all your books.
I thought I would get to some reading but between watching the grand children and school plays and Christmas parties I am lucky that I have time for my blog. Did you read my Mrs. Hardworths – David yet? I actually got the part 1,2,3 etc. from you. I hope that’s alright with you.

I will certainly leave a review, I can almost leave it now without even reading it. I know it is going to be fabulous but I will read it first and then leave my review, I promise. Can’t wait to start it. :o)

Really enjoyed the journey! It is really heartwarming when two good people find each other through hardship and live to have a good life together. So many times good people find each other and tragedy happens. The only thing that would make this story better would be if it were a true story, because you know that truth is stranger than fiction. But Yes, publish it as a short story just the way it is. If you expand it into a longer novel be careful not to lose the charm. Kudos Linda on a great read and you kept me coming back for more everyday! Now that’s marketing!

I read the entire story today from start to finish and I enjoyed it- you need to publish it, Linda.
I loved it- it is simple and a very heartening story( if that’s the word I want) and its not too long either.
Looking forward to another one.
Susie

It was a story about a young man, growing up, dealing with loss and growing up, lost and found again love. I wrote it DECADES ago. It’s been near as long since I read it. I should look at it again and see how it feels. (Thank you for asking!)